EL TACONAZO RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: PREP COOLER IN KITCHEN/MIDDLE PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 58.1F INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN 40F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF COOKED CHICKEN 56.3F STORED IN PREP COOLER AND BEEF TONGUE 65.5F STORED ON STEAM TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 40F OR BELOW AND HOT FOOD 140F OR ABOVE DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, AND SERVICE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED SINK IN MIDDLE PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030

Missing supplies prevent proper handwashing, forcing inadequate cleaning that spreads pathogens.

All handwashing sinks must have soap and hand drying provisions.

Soap in dispensers at each sink; Paper towels in dispensers or air dryers; Supplies maintained during all hours; Waste receptacles if paper towels used.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD ITEMS STORED IN WALK-IN COOLERS UNCOVERED AND NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COVER ALL FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED 40-50 FLYING INSECTS IN PREP, STORAGE AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED, 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM RIGHT SIDE OF DOOR. SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED - Comments: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN AND MAINTAINED DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING AND LIDS NOT TIGHT-FITTING. OBSERVED TRASH, FOOD DEBRIS, AND LIQUID WASTE ON GROUND AROUND DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.

Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.

Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1537691 ON 5-6-15. 35-REPLACE MISSING AND STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREAS. CLEAN ALL CEILING VENTS AND CEILING TILES IN PREP AREAS(DUST BUILDUP). SEAL OPENINGS AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN STAFF WASHROOM. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. CLEAN AND PAINT WALLS AS NEEDED. REPAIR SWEEP ON REAR DOOR. 38-REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS IN JUICE PREP AREA AND KITCHEN. 43-REMOVE BOWLS, PLATES, CUPS, ETC AND PROVIDE LONG HAND UTENSILS FOR DISPENSING FOOD. 45-NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE. MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: LABEL AND DATE ALL PREPARED AND READY TO EAT FOOD IN WALK-IN COOLERS(RICE, BEANS, CHICKEN, PORK, SOUP, ETC)

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REMOVE ALL RUST DEPOSITS ON DOOR IN WALK-IN COOLERS, SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLERS, STORAGE SHELVES AND BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. REMOVE DUCT TAPE AND REPAIR DOOR ON CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTALL SPLASH GUARD ON KITCHEN EXPOSED SINK BETWEEN PREP TABLE.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, FREEZERS, STORAGE SHELVES, GRILLS, FRYERS, PREP TABLES.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: SEAL OPENING IN WALL NEAR REAR WASHROOM. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER FRONT EXPOSED SINK. REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILE IN STAFF WASHROOM.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS OR INSTALL SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN BOTH VENTILATION HOODS AND REAR PREP AREA.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN PREP COOLERS.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLERS AND PREP AREAS. REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. SEPARATE CLEANING EQUIPMENT FROM FOOD IN REAR PREP AREA. STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN - Comments: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.

Unwashed produce can harbor pathogens and chemical residues.

Raw fruits and vegetables must be washed before use.

Wash thoroughly under running water; Before cutting, combining, cooking, or serving; Remove soil and contaminants.

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN - Comments: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.

Unwashed produce can harbor pathogens and chemical residues.

Raw fruits and vegetables must be washed before use.

Wash thoroughly under running water; Before cutting, combining, cooking, or serving; Remove soil and contaminants.